The proposed BESS…

The proposed BESS development presents potential risks to nearby waterways, particularly in the absence of clearly defined mitigation measures to address contaminated runoff in the event of a fire. Consultation with the local community has been limited, and concerns regarding environmental protection have not been adequately addressed. In addition, the proponent has not specified responsibility for potential environmental leakages, stating only that ‘the polluter is responsible’ without clarifying whether accountability lies with the builder, operator, or another party. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty in the allocation of liability and weakens confidence in the project’s environmental management framework.
The proponent should provide a clear accountability framework that specifies the party responsible for environmental protection, remediation, and liability in the event of contamination or leakage. This framework should be supported by legally binding agreements, contingency planning for fire and spill scenarios, and transparent communication with the local community. In addition, the inclusion of engineered mitigation measures—such as spill containment systems, controlled runoff management, and post-incident monitoring protocols—would strengthen the project’s environmental safeguards and reduce potential risks to waterways.